Category Archives: Element Projects

** 3:20 p.m. So obviously this has been a frustrating day for me (and those trying to shop the collection)- the products are still not all live but I’m told by tonight they should be. I will continue to keep you posted.

** 12:25 You can shop some items here, but there are still more to come (candles, throws and more pillows). Hope to have a complete update for you soon!

I’m so excited for this day to finally be here- it’s been a long time coming and I am so hopeful that you guys will not only like what you see but feel there is an item or two you want for your own space. At 11 a.m. EST once it’s live I will update this post with links to everything!

Here is the lookbook I created for the line that shows you all the products in one place (and in some nice vignettes which suggest styling options!)elements-fall-2016-catalog

Thanks for being such wonderful cheerleaders not only for this project, but all my projects! Love you to bits, my EOS clan!

Hi guys! I’m excited to finally update you on our kitchen progress (if you missed the first post you can check it out here). Back in October we designed and ordered our Deerfield assembled cabinets through Cabinets.com. The expected production time was 4-5 weeks, plus another 2 weeks in transit, and everything arrived right on time. I was a little nervous that all of the cabinets wouldn’t make it here from Florida in one piece (unfortunately damages and delays are all too common in our industry) but thankfully everything went great. Here’s a peek at our dining room after we were left with 30+ boxes worth of cabinets and trim.

We had a blast last night in Raleigh at Furbish Studio, but had to wake up at 4 a.m. to make out 6:30 a.m. flight to Dallas so we would be there in time for my 11 a.m.-2 p.m. signing at Wisteria (please come, y’all)- which I am currently on! I am bleary eyed and hopped up on caffeine, and not in my most creative mindset- however, I couldn’t leave you hanging without a post. So here are some colorful snaps from last night as well as my outfit, which I actually LOVED- this top is heaven- it’s long in the back to cover your bum and loose but not so loose it’s looks maternity. And check out that perfect leopard print. Also, my niece Kate who happens to be the cutest thing ever.

I am SO SO SO excited to finally release this collection to the world! Jill and I have so much fun collaborating on projects- and this new collection came very naturally as Jill and I both have a serious addiction to striped shirts. There have been many a discussion in our studio about who makes the most perfect one, so when I was thinking about a new pattern for the Erin Gates Collection, I immediately went to stripes. And of course in black and white with a light grey interior and a hint of gold! They are all available to order on Jill’s website right now! And if you are dying for this pattern in another color (navy would be adorable) contact us about custom color options!

So, we’ve been here almost a full year (September 1) and we are finally getting down to redoing our little yard! I love the privacy it gives us, the fun it provides our dogs and the size, which is just enough to not be a total pain in the ass to take care of. But one thing it’s currently lacking is a PATIO! I am someone who loves being outside- so having a space to hang out and entertain outdoors is super important to me in a home. So we are going to maintain some grassy space for the pups and future EOS spawn while adding a fabulous new patio to the mix!

While bluestone would be lovely, it’s not in our budget. So we decided to work with Pavestone and Quikrete on a patio project showcasing what you can do with a smaller budget and just as good looking materials that also happen to be durable and practical. First we decided on a material- it was between these two forms- on the left is Venetian 80mm Combo and on the right is Vintage Stone Combo (as well as the Rumble Stone border we are embedding around the planting beds next to the house). Everything will be installed by Chris Miller Brick Paving.

Both of these looked great, and I loved the grey color, but I ended up choosing the one on the left due to it’s larger size stones. I thought it looked more like bluestone and it looked better when wet (something to think of when choosing- I sprayed them down and it made the choice easier for me!) So, we have a material, now for the layout.

It was VERY important to Andrew that we be able to have 2 chaises for us to relax on- we do love lounging in the sun! But we also needed a place for the grill, a dining space and I wanted an area for 4 chairs where we could sit with another couple and have drinks. We also had to plan for our future garage/master suite/ laundry room renovation/ addition in which we tear down the garage and rebuild it larger and taller to accommodate all those spaces. So the door from the mudroom/garage/ kitchen to the patio will change locations in a year- we had to make sure the patio was planned accordingly. So here are the “before” pics- so bland and in need of help, my goodness:

(notice the marks from me spray painting my nightstands?? Ooops.)

Ugh! It’s so sad looking! We need to jackhammer up all that pavement and grade the area (which happens to be quite lumpy and uneven) before we start the install.

So here’s my sketch including details we are also adding like a trellis above our back door, rose trellis’ to either side of the door and a mini deck and steps being built out of wood. We actually decided against the built-in firepit and instead will just keep using our freestanding copper one to allow us to have more flexibility with the furniture layout.

Pavestone did a KILLER video rendering of what the space will look like when completed! We’re doing some different landscaping and furniture layout but you get the idea :) It’s going to be time to call in my Mom for some serious landscaping advice after this is complete!

The trellis and porch we’re doing will look a lot like this:

We also have a little shed, we affectionately call “the barn” which needs painting and updating. I have been enamored with black sheds with white trim, but also like Benjamin Moore’s Deep River, which has a smidge of green and is more of a grey then black (you can see my test patch by the door). Still undecided.

An example of the black/ white option for the shed- our patio will be that color too!

It would match perfectly with my patio decor plan- which is- wait for it….. BLACK AND WHITE!!! I know, it’s SO unexpected coming from me! :) It all began with this vintage Brown Jordan patio set my grandparents left me that I love, love, love. I had it re-enameled in glossy black.

And here’s where I am with the patio furniture (all IKEA because that’s how we’re rolling these days) and accents so far- still not sure about what accent color I’m using, but I do love coral mixed with black and white. I’ll have to think about what colors my plantings will be and coordinate!